By Chris Curulli
David Anglicas holds a special place in the hearts of many within the Northern Beaches football community.
The 69-year-old has played, coached, and served as a volunteer both in and beyond football ever since he moved to the Northern Beaches at the age of ten.
The contribution of his family is officially recognised annually with the awarding of the Helen Anglicas Memorial Cup to commemorate his wife who tragically passed away from breast cancer in 2017.
Football has always been a family affair for David, who recently discovered how his father ingrained a passion for football during his formative years.
“My father was my coach and I think he just instilled in me that love of football,” he reflected.
“I didn’t realise until I spoke to my aunt in England ten years ago that my dad used to take me to every Manchester United home game, and he would have me on his shoulders fortnight after fortnight.
“I don’t even remember that, but I guess that’s where I get it from; my dad taking me to every home game at Old Trafford.”
After the Anglicas family moved down under, David enjoyed his playing days with Forest and Christian Brothers.
But it was not until he took up coaching that he discovered his true calling within football.
“I stopped playing at an early age because I just was in a team where I didn’t enjoy it,” he said.
“But once my son showed an interest in playing, I put my hand up to coach because nobody else would – like every other volunteer!”
David’s first coached at St Augustine’s in 1990 and he has overseen a team every season since.
During those three decades of service his greatest achievement is a 17-year stint where he took a Saints side from the Under 18s, to AL/1s, to Premier League – where they remained for 12 years.
David’s broader involvement in the community was always a family effort, which has been poignantly recognised with the Helen Anglicas Memorial Cup.
The prized piece of silverware is fought out between St Augustine’s and Brookvale FC every season since 2017.
“My wife and my daughter ran the canteen for the best part of 20 years and when Helen passed away, Brookvale Football Club took it upon themselves to say look, we just want to honour all the work that Helen did supporting football,” David recalled.
“This is a very nice gesture, it’s very touching and the day gets a bit emotional at times but that’s just life.”
David still serves as treasurer within the St. Augustine’s sports club within which he is a life member.
Despite all the meritorious service awards he has received at local and state level over the years, his most treasured moments arise from serving others in day to day life.
He has worked at St. Augustine’s College for the last 21 years and naturally developed a special role within the school community.
“When we do we have students at the college with parents who end up with cancer that is terminal for them I often take it upon myself to talk to them because I can relate,” David explained.
“I just say look, you know, if you ever want someone to talk to, this is my story and I’m there for them if they need some help.”
As he approaches his 70th birthday, David has now gone full circle and returned to grassroots football coaching.
Taking charge of the St Augustine’s U11/3B ‘Chargers’ side has rekindled his passion, ensuring that he will not give it up any time soon.
“I keep doing it just because I love coaching the kids and giving them back that passion for the game,” he said.
